I'm new to this site and mainly came over here to see how the 2004 F-150 has been recieved. I am very concerned that since it is costing Ford more to make the 2004 than it was the 2003 that they will soon start thrifting out features in order to lower cost. I noticed several items on the 2003 models that were deleated due to cost. Interior lights on the front doors and the glove box light are just a few of the things taken off the 03's that were on previous models. Now since the 2004's never had these items to begin with there is no telling whats next. I understand that Ford is in financial trouble and that the Japs have the upper hand when it comes to dealing with labor/unions but now is not the time to start removing content thinking no will notice from an already expensive truck. Believe me I will Notice!!!!!

 

I really don't think the little lights in the doors or the light in the glove box are gone as a cost cutting measure.

On the assembly line you are talking maybe $10-15 in parts at best.

I've never seen the need for the lights in the doors, and I open my glovebox once in a blue moon.

I could care less that there isn't a light in there. If I need to light up the glovebox, all I have to do is hit the passenger side domelight.

 

10 to 15 dollars times 60,000 trucks adds up to quite a bit of change that is now extra profit. Never forget Ford is in this business to make money not trucks

 

Below is a quote from BON, in regards to 2003 Expedition/Navigator seat frame rust problems.

Ford was and is hurting finacially. They will cut anything they can if they believe the customer will not notice. Some times it pays off other times they get caught.

 

Well, I've been here since the 04 F150 even shipped and I can tell you it's been received VERY WELL! Not only do we All love it, the reviews and awards have been stacking up quite nicely, despite it's lack of glove box lights and other du dads that I haven't even thought about, let alone miss.

Yea, Fords out to make money. You need a great truck to do that these days. We're out to buy good trucks. That's why we love Fords.

 

Buyer demographics my friend.

92% of the buyers say they could care less if there are lights in the doors - there won't be lights in the doors.

But before we start debating whether Ford is concerned with money first, and quality second do yourself a favor and go drive one for a while.

There is nothing skimped or cheapened on this truck - at least that I've found in 2200 miles.

 

It isnt an issue of quality. We can read through the threads and clearly see people are very happy with their trucks.

I think ARR was just curious as to what content may be altered or deleted. Possibly in response to a comment in this months issue of CAR AND DRIVER. Or maybe some announcements made by Ford about increasing profit margins on the new F150. IMO, I dont think many major changes are in store.

I cant wait till my truck arrives, maybe next week. Hopefully I'm as happy as everybody else seems to be.

 

The door metal doesn't sound as thick as my past trucks when you shut the doors.

 

Make no mistake folks- it is about the money.

First, they took away the passenger side key hole (At least on the Expedition they did). Yeah I know, keyless entry- to that I say, So! Gimme my frickin key hole back!

I don't think quality has anything to do with it- it is still a QUALITY piece of equipment, but- if you don't think Ford, and any other manufacturer is out to save $, look again.

Ford sells at least 800,000 of these trucks a year. $10 a pop + $8,000,000 saved, $15 a pop + $12,000,000 saved. Everybody in the corporate world knows that for every $ you spend, you must generate $20 in revenue to account for it. (Overhead, taxes, labor, etc..) is what is costs you to make that dollar back.

So, in hard currency, Ford may save $8 - $12 Million, but in cost recovery, it's kinda like they saved $160,000,000 - $300,000,000. My friends, that will buy a lot of Ford F-150's....

But, I doubt that light costs Ford a dollar to make. It'll just cost you $20 to replace it....

 

It may not be as thick, although I haven't noticed... what I have noticed is that this truck sounds more solid and secure than any I've seen yet. All of my uncles (who also drive Ford trucks, just older models) are very impressed at the feel and the sound when they shut the doors in my truck. They've all made mention of it. The doors shut lighter and easier...more like a car door than a traditional truck door.... this doesn't bother me at all.